Eiffel Tower Tickets: Stairs vs. Elevator, Prices, and Where to Buy

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The Eiffel Tower welcomes over 7 million visitors each year. Every single one of them faces the same decision upon arrival: climb the stairs or take the elevator? The choice isn’t just about convenience. Price, the visual experience, wait times, and your stamina all come into play.

The Three Routes

The Tower offers three ways up. Each one has a completely different price, duration, and experience.

Route 1: Stairs to the 1st Floor (57 meters). Three hundred steps separate you from the first landing. This height offers a unique perspective. It’s a quick climb: 10 to 15 minutes.

Route 2: Stairs to the 2nd Floor (115 meters). A total of six hundred and seventy-four steps. The view here is unbeatable for photos. Expect it to take 25 to 35 minutes.

Route 3: Elevator to the Top (276 meters). Fast access to the 3rd floor. No physical effort required. The top offers a 360-degree view.

Prices in 2026

Stair Tickets

  • Adult: €6.30 (1st floor) or €8.80 (2nd floor)
  • Youth (12-24): €3.20 or €4.40
  • Child (4-11): €2.40 or €3.30
  • Disabled + companion: €3.10

Elevator Tickets

  • Adult: €17.50 to €21.50
  • Youth: €8.80 to €10.80
  • Child: €6.60 to €8.10

Combo (Stairs + Elevator)

  • Adult: €12.80 to €15.50
  • Youth: €6.50 to €7.80
  • Child: €4.90 to €5.90

This combo saves you €1.50 to €6 per person. Prices increase by 10-15% from June to September.

Where to Buy

Official Website: toureiffel-officiel.com

Choose your date, time, and access type, pay, and receive a QR code by email. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The online ticket line is separate—saving you about 45 minutes.

Authorized Platforms

GetYourGuide: 8-12% more expensive, flexible cancellation.

Klook: Competitive pricing with promotions.

Viator: For guided tours with included access.

What to Avoid

Scams promise 40-60% discounts. Fake QR codes are identified at the entrance. You’ll be left without a ticket.

If It’s Sold Out

1. Buy for tomorrow (plenty of availability on weekdays).

2. Early bird—line up at 8 AM = entry by 8:15-8:45 AM.

3. Evening (8 PM+)—spectacular lighting, minimal lines.

4. Wait for cancellations—2-5% happen daily.

5. Visit the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, or take a boat cruise.

Important tip: Check out our post on common tourist scams and mistakes—fake tickets, fraudulent taxi drivers, and dealing with tourist police.

Final Tips

Time per level: 1st (45 min), 2nd (30-40 min), top (20 min).

Photography: 24mm wide-angle lens. Use a modern phone for panoramas. Avoid flash.

Weather: Clear day = 70km visibility. Rain = reduced visibility. Postpone if it’s raining all day.

Luggage: Backpacks under 15L. Lockers available (€6-€12). Travel light.

Timing: 9 AM-10:30 AM or 7 PM-9 PM. Avoid 11 AM-5 PM.

FAQ

Disabled visitors? 50% discount + companion. Book in advance.

Large backpack? Under 15L allowed. Larger bags face strict inspection.

Wait times? Peak: 30-90 min. Morning: 5-15 min. Evening: 10-20 min.

Dining? Restaurants €40-€100. Cafés €8-€15. Eat beforehand.

How long are tickets valid? Exact date and time. Round trip on the same day. No limit on how long you stay.

Important tip: Bringing the kids to the tower? Check out our complete guide with everything on age-based pricing, accessibility, and strategies to beat the lines: Eiffel Tower with Kids: A Complete Family Guide.
Important tip: Planning a special occasion? See our complete guide on dining at the Eiffel Tower—covering both restaurants, prices, how to book, and the champagne alternative at the top.
Important tip: Short on cash for the ticket? Read our guide on how to see the Eiffel Tower for free—featuring the best free viewpoints, the nightly light show, and a complete no-cost itinerary.
Important tip: Already picked your ticket? Also read our guide on how to skip the line at the Eiffel Tower—with the best times to visit, stair tips, and what to do if tickets are sold out.
Important tip: Know which ticket to buy? Also check out our guide on the Eiffel Tower floors to know exactly what to expect at each level before you go up.

Tickets start at €6.30 (stairs) and go up to €21.50 (elevator to the top). Buy official tickets 3-6 weeks in advance. If sold out, visit early or late. Combine stairs + elevator. Never buy from scammers. Enjoy Paris.

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